Ant Boy: The Autonomous Robot Transporter

Revolutionizing Material Delivery in Production

Ants have long been admired for their ability to lift loads that are many times their own body weight. Ant Boy harnesses this strength and efficiency, moving loads with ease and precision. Just like an ant, this robot works diligently and thriftily, ensuring efficient delivery of materials.

What sets Ant Boy apart is its adaptability to complex and dynamic production environments. The robot seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure, using the same trolleys and tracks as humans. This means there is no need to replace the current inventory of pallets and pallet jacks. Ant Boy can be called and redirected as needed, making it a flexible and efficient solution.

The design of Ant Boy is both practical and innovative. The robot features a polycorbane case mounted on an aluminum frame, ensuring durability and stability. It is equipped with two motor wheels that allow for variable ground clearance, ensuring smooth movement even in challenging terrain. To enhance stability, auxiliary four wheels are also incorporated. The energy source for Ant Boy is batteries, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.

With dimensions of 660 mm x 660 mm x 375 mm, Ant Boy is compact and agile, able to navigate through narrow spaces and tight corners with ease. The robot utilizes lidars, cameras, and sensors to autonomously avoid obstacles and navigate its surroundings. Its advanced interface system allows for seamless connection with different types of trolleys, enabling efficient and precise material delivery.

One of the standout features of Ant Boy is its friendly and approachable design. The robot's wheels are cleverly disguised by inflows of shape that resemble legs, giving it a charming and animated appearance. The location of the cameras and lidars on the robot's upper platform resembles a face, further enhancing its relatability. Side luminous stripes serve as a communication system, conveying the robot's emotions and intentions.

Ant Boy was developed over a span of six months, from May 2021 to October 2021, with the initial stages taking place in Saint Petersburg and the finalization in Chicago. The project faced various challenges, including technical and technological hurdles, as well as the integration of machine vision technologies. However, the most crucial aspect was the social integration of the robot, ensuring it could seamlessly work alongside humans and provide assistance in routine operations.

The fully autonomous Ant Boy represents a significant advancement in automated material delivery in production. Its compatibility with existing infrastructure and its ability to work in harmony with humans make it a valuable addition to any production facility. With its adorable and friendly appearance, Ant Boy brings a touch of personality to the industrial setting, making it a joy to work with.

Ant Boy has been recognized for its exceptional design and functionality, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Robotics, Automaton, and Automation Design category in 2022. This prestigious award celebrates designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.